Another open letter to St. Albert City Council and Administration.
Re: The appointment of Gilles Prefontaine. My concerns are process and costs.
I have more than 35 years of HR experience in the public and private sectors. The former at all three levels of government with ten years of experience advising councils and administration. My work with 12 smaller communities involved the provision of advice and guidance on all HR matters and governance.
Alberta municipal legislation was followed.
My questions:
1. Does the city have a policy and procedures on staffing?
2. Was it followed in this case?
3. Did HR complete the development of a job description? Was it suitably general enough to attract a number of candidates or was it based on the qualifications of Mr. Prefontaine?
4. Was the position advertised and open to internal and external candidates prior to involving a consulting firm?
5. What did it cost the taxpayers of St. Albert for the consultant services?
6. Was it de facto an unnecessary and therefore a recoverable expense?
7. Were there perceived or actual conflicts of interest jointly and/or severally?
8. Do Council and Administration deem the process to be transparent, fair and ethical?
Michael Balaski, St. Albert
